Kenneth Carter didn't waste any time announcing his decision. And why should he? The Greenville (Ala.) standout defensive lineman had dreamed of this day.

So after stepping up to the podium and thanking God, his family and friends, the coaching staff and community of Greenville, he donned an Auburn hat and announced his plans to sign with the Tigers in February.

"This is a very special day in my life," Carter said. "I'm going to be a Tiger and I'm going to try and be the best player I can be at Auburn University.

"The best thing I'm going to do is go play SEC football. I can't wait for that."

Carter said he grew up an Auburn fan and never faltered even through last year's 5-7 season and coaching change.

"I'm Auburn to the heart," he said. "My mom is an Auburn fan and basically everybody in the family is an Auburn fan."

Carter was joined at his press conference by his mother, grandmother, two younger brothers, several cousins and his girlfriend.

"They're very excited," Carter said. "It means a lot to have them here."

Carter credited Auburn's coaching staff for making the difference in his recruitment, especially defensive line coach Tracy Rocker.

"The whole coaching staff stood out to me," Carter said. "I feel real good with me and Coach Rocker. He's the Outland Trophy winner. You have to be the best d-linemen to be that. To have him coach you, that's awesome."

Carter has visited with Rocker a couple of times this spring and summer including a stop for Big Cat Weekend.

"You can be straight-up with him. You don't have to beat around the bush. I like that," Carter said. "I'm going to be about my business. He's going to be about his and we're going to play ball."

Greenville head coach Ben Blackmon said Auburn is getting an intense competitor.